Breakfast Yogurt Bowl Recipe

What's for breakfast?!

A nutritious + quick yogurt bowl!

In a bowl, add the following...

• Greek yogurt, 3 dollops
• Banana, 1 sliced
• Raspberries, 1 handful
• Kiwis, 2 sliced
• Flaxseed, 1 sprinkled tsp
• Raw Honey, drizzled

Enjoy!

Simple Homemade Tomato Soup

I've been on an all vegan fast of sorts since the start of November. I decided to continue with the fast, adding back alcohol and I only ate meat during the Thanksgiving holiday. I have been very turned off by meat lately, so I am listening to my body and learning new creative plant based recipes.

Even though I thoroughly enjoy cooking, I often lack the time to dedicate to it these days, so when I discovered a 3- ingredient tomato soup recipe, I was all in!

Here's what you need, to make this delicious tasting soup:

• 8 Tomatoes, sliced
• 1 Yellow Onion, sliced
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1/2c Vegetable Broth
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• Seasonings: Himalayan Pink Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions: 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. 
• Combine + toss your sliced tomatoes, onions, garlic, EVOO and seasonings in a bowl.
• Line your veggies on a sheet pan and roast for about 35 minutes.
• In a blender (or food processor), add the veggies + broth. Blend to your desired texture.
• Serve + enjoy! :)

Golden Milk Latte

Nothing says "Fall", to me, more than spiced lattes. Golden Milk is one of my favorite staples, to add to my nutrition regime, once the seasons begin to shift and the leaves start to fall... get it? Fall. 😅Even though it is still above 80 degrees in Georgia, I’m prepping my system and building my immunity for the cold front that we all know lies ahead. Side note: I typed this post a month ago. SMH! My busy schedule hasn't allowed me to be great, but nonetheless, I am here and hopefully you are too.

Anywho, here's a link to a post I did, in 2015. It has the benefits you need, along with a recipe refresher. 

Enjoy and happy fall!

Jen's Botanical Garden: Homemade Lemon Balm Tincture

After giving this blog some additional thought, I felt the need to clarify that out of the 945 days that I was absent, I spent about 300 of those days, stressed out due to being forced to sell my condo to a billionaire investor. Of course, those days are long behind me and there's no sense in digging up useless emotions, because quite frankly...the moment I "let go" of the stress of having to move, I found the most ideal home to purchase and I absolutely love it here!

I knew I was going to own my new home, only after viewing its MLS listing, 7 minutes after it posted online. I just had a feeling, ya know? A feeling, even though this was the 11th home, I had put an offer on. Well, turned out, that the previous owner (there's only been 1), is a healer, like myself. As soon as I stepped foot into my home, I felt "at home".

When I did my initial walk-through, I discovered a wild plant growing in the back of the house, that resembled mint. Being the closeted botanist that I am, I pulled a leaf to taste it and quickly noticed its distinct lemon flavor. Lemon Balm! I said with great excitement!

Which brings me to the reason for this blog post...

What the hell is lemon balm and what is it used for?!😅 

Lemon Balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is indeed a part of the mint family. It grows very bushy and can be used to cook, but moreover, can be used to heal. My excitement ensued, because I have long studied its benefits on the nervous system. If you've read around the blog, you are more than likely aware that I have a history of situational anxiety (please read first paragraph lol). Due to this, I have a stash of anxiety busting, self-care remedies in my arsenal and tinctures have always been a part of my regime. 

Jen's Homemade Lemon Balm Tincture

I never wanted to doubt that Lemon Balm showed up at my new house, for naught. So I took matters into my own hands and whipped up some homemade tinctures. How cool is it, that I have one of the most calming herbs growing in my backyard!? The fact that I could save $15  (for one bottle) and make SEVERAL tincture bottles at home, had me super geeked! I stopped the consumption of taking supplement pills and believe that using tinctures is one of the best ways to reap health benefits.

I couldn't' recall exactly how I made the tinctures above, but found a blog post, that I am certain is similar to how I prepared mine. Enjoy.

Agua Fresca!!

cucumber, mint, ginger, lime juice, water and ice!

Having had the wonderful experience of living in Houston, I find myself reminiscing on all the great food and drinks that I used to enjoy. Agua Fresca is one that is definitely a staple in my home, during the spring and summer months. They are so refreshing, versatile and...healthy!! 

Agua Frescas are a Mexican tradition and generally are a blended mixture of fruits, vegetables, sugar, water and ice. Being that I owned a juice bar, I like to get creative with my frescas, by gauging the amount of sweetener to fruit ratio, often adding in chia seeds, nuts and grains, as well! 

If interested in trying your hand at making agua frescas, start with a very simple recipe, such as the one above. I've included the recipe below:

Cucumber Mint Ginger Agua Fresca

• 2 Cucumbers, chunks
• 1 cup freshly squeezed Lime juice
• 1/2 cup of Raw Honey or Grade A Maple Syrup
• 20 fresh mint leaves
• 1 nub of ginger
• 4 cups water, divided into 2

1. Place all of the ingredients into a blender and add only 2 cups of water. Cover and blend, until the consistency is very smooth.
2. I prefer to strain my mixture, as I loathe pulp...so strain over a pitcher. Add the remaining 2 cups of water. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve, over ice. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe. Other elixirs could include subbing the cucumber for watermelon...super yummy! 

Cheers!

945 Days Later...

Greetings! I cannot believe it will be 3 years, this October, since I have blogged here. My birthday season is coming to a close and with the massive full blue moon, that occurred last night, I woke with this blog on my mind. 

Since my last post, I have closed my juice bar and immersed myself in all things mental health. It wasn't until recently that I began to miss having my creative outlet(s). Though I am still in love with all things nutrition, holistic heath and wellness, I think I may make a slight pivot and blog about my varied interests. Of course, at the center of them, is where I find my wholeness. 

I think it is important to note, that I have been noncommittal in most things. I have adapted to more of a carefree style of living, where being anxious no longer exists, so blogging has to come very organically to me. So I'll try and return soon! + I hope you are well!

xo- Jennifer